Here are the before and after pictures. It was collected in 2018 and this is the first work that has been done.
Actually the before picture isn't before anything was done. The large branch descending on the left had already been pulled down with a guy wire. originally it was almost horizontal.
I would appreciate and and all critiques. I am still relatively new at working with ponderosas.
This looks great david. I don't have much to add other than the main branch could be oriented with the needles more toward the viewer so we get a better sense of fullness, rather than seeing it in profile. Great work!
Please see attached drawing. Autographed copies are available. Basically a good start. The top branch should be raised to original position and an apex should be made out of those branches. You created a mess with the top branch dropping down over the main branch and the tall branch on upper branch is now parallel with main branch. Move this upper branch back to where it was to show off the difference between the upper and lower main branch. That has a nice natural line to it. You should have plenty of upper branches to form apex, tall branch may not be needed for apex. The main lower branch needs more movement to it. Check the attached photo of Bjorn designing a Limber pine and see if you can do something similar to the main branch and the smaller branches on it. Try moving main lower branch back towards the trunk to compact the design more.